Selena Gomez Says Vaping Changed Her Voice, Experts Warn of Addiction Risks
Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba
Singer Selena Gomez announced she has quit vaping, attributing a change in her voice to the habit and warning others it's not worth the risk. Experts highlight the difficulty of quitting due to nicotine and psychological dependence, with particular concern for youth addiction. Studies suggest increased risks of lung cancer and other health issues associated with vaping, even as it's considered less harmful than smoking.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Selena Gomez has quit vaping, citing a change in her voice and warning others of the risks.
- Experts warn of both nicotine addiction and psychological dependence associated with vaping.
- Vaping is a growing concern among children and teenagers, described as a "real epidemic."
- Studies link e-cigarette use to increased risks of lung cancer and mortality.
- Vaping can potentially cause irreversible damage to vocal cords, affecting voice quality.
- For non-smokers, vaping introduces health risks that would not otherwise exist.
Singer and actress Selena Gomez, 34, revealed on Sunday that she has quit using e-cigarettes and is struggling with the withdrawal process. In an Instagram Story, Gomez attributed a change in her voice to heavy nicotine vaping, advising others against it, stating, "It's just not worth it." She expressed her excitement about quitting and her hope to maintain sobriety, describing the process as "very difficult" but encouraging her fans that "if you are struggling with something, you too can overcome it."
Dr. Emilia Khardak, a lung disease specialist at Maccabi Health Services, explained that beyond nicotine addiction, users develop a psychological dependence on the act of vaping and the sense of calm it provides. This dual addiction makes quitting difficult for both traditional and electronic cigarettes. Dr. Khardak is particularly concerned about the growing dependence among children and teenagers, noting that many hide their use in public places, calling it a "real epidemic."
Concerns about vaping extend globally, with the UK's Office for National Statistics reporting approximately 1.1 million e-cigarette users in Britain who have never smoked. Research published in Nature Medicine indicated a 56% higher risk of lung cancer and a 22% increased risk of all-cause mortality among former smokers who used e-cigarettes compared to those who did not. Other studies suggest links to eye diseases and DNA damage, though long-term human data on cancer risk remains unclear.
Dr. Khardak also pointed to potential impacts on brain development and the cardiovascular system, including increased heart rate and blood pressure. Exposure to vaping substances can cause inflammation and damage to vocal cords, potentially leading to irreversible voice changes, though Gomez's specific case cannot be definitively attributed to this. While vaping is considered less harmful than smoking by the UK's NHS, experts like Prof. Sarah Jackson emphasize that for non-smokers, it introduces risks that would not otherwise exist.
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